17 OCTOBER 1908, Page 2

. Au Imperial Rescript has been issued in Japan enjoining

on all classes in the community the need of economy and simplicity. "For the purpose of keeping pace with the constant progress of the world, and of participating in the blessings of its civilisation, the development of national resources is manifestly essential." The Emperor accordingly calls on all classes to "act in unison, faithful to their callings, frugal in their domestic management, submissive to the dictates of conscience and the calls of duty, and frank and sincere in their manners; and to inure themselves to arduous trials, eschewing all indulgence." The motive of the appeal has been expounded by the Premier, Count ICatsura, at a meeting of Prefectural Governors. It was the determination of the Government, he said, to reduce expenditure, and the Rescript urged the people to pursue every form of economy. Confidence bad been somewhat shaken by reckless finance, but could be easily restored if they were resolved in future to follow the paths of peaceful development and the cultivation of the most friendly relations with all countries. "Peace, retrenchment, and reform," in short, is to be the watchword of Japan. Liberal Government and Party, please copy.